Local jewelers help you shop

For adults, jewelry stores can be as daunting as the first day of school for a kindergartner. Many people haven’t spent a lot of time buying baubles and bling. So with the help of three local jewelers, we’ve created a crib sheet for those of you in search of the perfect piece this holiday season.

Do some research before leaving the house: Look through her jewelry box. See what she has. You may want to complete a set in her collection.

Know his or her style: Does she mostly wear yellow or white gold, platinum or silver? Is red her least favorite color, but she loves blue? If so, you’ll know to stay away from rubies and garnets, but you may want to check out pieces made with topaz. Know if he’s trendy or more conservative. Does he like bigger pieces, or does he prefer streamlined watches or bracelets? The more you can tell the sales associate, the more he or she can help you.

Know his or her lifestyle: Is he a nurse? Is she an elementary school teacher? With both of these careers, you’d want to stay away from large rings set high with a lot of prongs. If she’s always active, or he likes working on cars, you may want a smaller, more subtle piece. On the other hand, if your husband or wife regularly attends dinners and galas and similar events, a fancier piece could work.

Watch for clues: Did he or she point anything out in a catalog or online? You don’t have to get that exact piece, but bringing in a picture or Web link will give the jeweler some sense of who you are buying for and what he or she is looking for.

Go online first: If you know you are going to shop at a particular store, visit its Web site. You can see some of what it is selling this season and find out if it’s offering specials on certain days.

Don’t wait until the last minute: The jewelry stores will have a lot more inventory in the beginning of the season.

Shop a reputable jeweler: Jewelry is like a car: Problems can occur down the road. Ask friends for recommendations, and don’t shop at a place you know nothing about simply because a sign out front says everything is 80 percent off.

Know the return and exchange policies: Most jewelry stores have a 30-day return policy, although some extend it for Christmas. Some retailers have a final-sale policy on certain items. Ask before buying so you are not caught off guard if the piece you buy doesn’t work.

Set a budget: Have a number in mind, but be reasonable. If you are looking for a really nice ruby pendant or platinum, diamond-encrusted tie bar, you aren’t going to find either for $99. But there are plenty of other $100 options at area jewelers. Tell your salesperson your figure up front. It’ll save both of you time, and save you from the disappointment of finding something you love only to discover it’s way out of your budget. If you find a style that costs more money than you want to spend, there are many ways to manufacturer something similar to match your budget by using smaller gems or different metals. Just remember, this takes time.

When in doubt, do diamonds: They come in a variety of different jewelry (earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, tie tacks) and are available at all price points.

If still in doubt, steer on the side of traditional: There will always be more value in something traditional, as opposed to something that is too trendy or too funky.

For women, earrings are safest: Size doesn’t matter with earrings, although necklaces and bracelets can be ordered in larger sizes.

Don’t size a ring beforehand: Even if you know his or her ring size, you may not know which finger he or she will wear it on. Also, it’s not good to keep resizing a ring.

Don’t hesitate to say “I’m just looking”: Picking out jewelry can take time, and you may want to go at it on your own at first. If, at any time, you have questions — ask. The salespeople are there to help.

Don’t feel you have to buy that day: This is a big purchase, so you may want to take a day to think about it — especially with an engagement ring. Hasty buying decisions benefit no one.

Plan to shop: Pick a day or time period when you won’t feel rushed. To avoid crowds, shop early mornings or mid-afternoons during the week.